Often times, it’s because we receive so many applications when we reopen that we need to get caught up.  There are even times when some of us decide to take much needed vacations!  Then, there are times like now.  We just plum run out of diapers!

Lately, it seems as if about 75% of our applications are for newborn or small babies.  Yep, you got it!  We’re out.  Completely OUT of small diapers.  Well, that was until last week when we started receiving donations for the diaper drive.

Ironically, we closed for applications in order to build up our “diaper cave” so that we could reopen going full blazes.  The problem is, we were so behind on smalls, all of the smalls we’ve received for our Dozens Diaper Drive so far are being shipped right back out to those in need of smalls.  As of today, Labor Day (when we shouldn’t be working!!), we need to send out diaper for 7 newborn and small babies!

Now, 7 may not sound like a lot, right?  If you translate that into 12 diapers per baby, it still may not sound like an awful lot.  But, when you put it into the REAL perspective and say that I need 84 small diapers to send out, it kinda goes from … “oh” to “DANG!” On top of that, we try not to send boys pink diapers, so we have to divide and send according to color!  One day, we’ll make a post on the process of packaging up diapers (with one person doing it!).

So, why and how long are we closed for applications?  Until we reach our goal of 1200 diapers donated so that we don’t have to keep taking long breaks!  We REALLY appreciate your patience during this time!

Do you want to follow our progress on that?  Check out or Dozens Diaper Drive page by clicking the logo below!!  Do you want to donate?  All of the info that you need to donate to us is on that page!

Dozens Diaper Drive

Please make sure you join our mailing list (to the right), add us on Facebook, and join our Yahoo Groups (Info Group) – (Discussion Group) to keep up to date!!

It says my package is delivered, but I did not receive it. What do I do?
If you have checked with your neighbor and landlord, the next option is to contact Fedex. We cannot send replacements because the package has been marked as delivered.

Why are my diapers wicking/leaking?

Have you dried them in the dryer? Drop them in for 10-20 minutes it usually seals up any holes left from making them or wear and tear.

Are you using enough absorbency or too much absorbency? Sometimes if you overstuff the pocket the insert will bunch up and create gaps. If there isn’t enough absorbency sometimes just adding a cotton terry washcloth folded in half will do the trick. Also check to make sure the insert reaches from edge to edge between the legs.

Do they need to be stripped? Stuff the pocket with an insert and then pour a little water on it. If the water repels they need to be stripped. If it doesn’t this isn’t the problem. To strip them simply run them through a hot wash with a couple of drops of original dawn. Then rinse them until there are no more bubbles in the water. If this doesn’t work you can also boil them for 5-10 minutes constantly stirring or run them through the dishwasher with the fleece facing the jets on the top basket. Do not use detergent and make sure you are wrapping the arms around your basket so they don’t fall onto any heating mechanisms in the dishwasher.

Are you changing them often enough? No matter how amazing a diaper is if what you have stuffed the pocket with or wrapped around the baby is completely saturated the fluid has to go somewhere. Try to change every 2-2 1/2 hours when using everyday absorbency. For night time add extra absorbency.

Why aren’t the diapers free?
In order to keep costs down, we are forced to ask our applicants to pay shipping. This is a nominal fee compared to the cost of purchasing the diapers up front (and at full retail price). If you’ve never tried cloth, it’s a great way to save money while deciding whether or not it’ll work for your family.

Can I only request covers?
Unfortunately, we are low on covers and prefer to send covers with diapers that require them. The good news is that they can be purchased at a reasonable price through Proraps. If you’d like to contact Proraps to find out if they have any seconds in stock, here’s their number: 1-800-397-8594. The estimated cost is around $5 each.

How many diapers do I get?
All applicants will receive 12 diapers and at least one cover (if the diapers require them).

Can I choose what kind I get?
Unless your child has an allergy to a particular kind of fabric, we cannot honor requests for a particular type of diaper. This is largely due to the fact that we can’t guarantee availability. We are limited to what we have in stock. We do our best to send a good variety to each applicant, but again, if you are seeking something specific, our services are probably not appropriate for you.

What if  the diaper tears, breaks, or I just don’t like them?
The Cloth Diaper Foundation, Inc. will not exchange diapers with the possible exception of our mistake of MAJOR size/known allergy discrepancies. We understand that not all diapers work for all babies, however, these diapers are to give you a jump start in cloth diapering your child. If we send a particular diaper that does not work the way you’d like, leaves red marks, causes rashes, has an odd fit, does not wick moisture, is a color/print you do not like, is pink with bows and you have a boy, is blue with cars and you have a girl, has closures you do not prefer, is too bulky, does not absorb enough, is stained or stains, leaks, wicks, smells, tears, rips, breaks, snaps, pops, crumbles, is stolen, or stands up and walks away (disappears), etc., we WILL NOT replace/exchange it, but we will try to work with you to figure out a solution to your diapering problems.

Will you repair or replace loaned diapers that are damaged or imperfect?
The Cloth Diaper Foundation will not replace, exchange, or repair diapers that have been damaged in your care.  Please understand that the diapers we send out have been donated to us, and while we try to look them over to make sure they are functional, we’re not always able to catch everything.  Some diapers may have bad PUL, snaps, elastic, etc., that is unable to be detected until worn and washed.  If you’ve received diapers that fall in this category, please find someone locally or online who is able to repair them, at your expense, to make them functional for you.  If you can use the diaper without repairing them, that is great.  If you can’t, you will be responsible for repairs if you’d like to use them.  It is not our intention to send out diapers that can’t be used, however, from time to time, it happens.  (If your PUL leaks, use a cover.  If your snap breaks, try finding someone with a snap press, or use a snappi!  If there is a hole in the fabric, try patching it up with a needle and thread.)

Will the diapers be brand new?
Though we do send some new diapers, many of our diapers are used. As cloth diapers are reusable, please do not expect them to be stain-free. We exercise good quality control and our motto is, “We will NOT send anything we wouldn’t put on our own children!” If you are expecting brand new diapers, then our services are probably not appropriate for you.

I stained my diapers. What do I do?
Relax! Staining happens! Let’s face it – they’re diapers! What’s more important to us is that the diapers are being used.

How do I return these diapers?
It depends on whether or not you need an upsize and the option you selected when you applied. If you do need an upsize, the best thing to do is contact your chapter manager. The emails you have received from us should indicate the chapter to which you were assigned. If you are unable to find these emails, then feel free to send an email to info@clothdiaperfoundation.org. If you do not need an upsize, and the fee you paid did not include a return label, click on Contact in the navigation bar and send your return to the address listed there.